A large store dedicated to selling Donald Trump merchandise and other MAGA-related items near Knoxville, Tennessee, is preparing to close its doors due to what employees describe as declining sales.
The Trump Superstore is currently offering discounts of 50% or more as it liquidates its inventory. An employee told Slate that business has significantly decreased, stating, "We're not busy anymore."
While a local news report suggested the store's closure was due to the owner's relocation, the owner, Bill Hays, refuted this, telling Slate that the reason for closing is indeed a lack of business. "I don't think she wanted to say we were closing for lack of business, but that's why we're closing," Hays said.
Another employee, identified as Dan, expressed a similar sentiment regarding Trump's popularity. When asked if he meant the former president's health or popularity, Dan clarified he was referring to the latter, stating Trump is "dwindling, dwindling, dwindling."
Dan suggested that a growing number of Republicans are experiencing financial hardship, impacting their purchasing decisions. "People really are saying, 'I don't know if I'm going to do a full load of groceries or I'm going to put my electric bill on a credit card this month,'" he told Slate.
According to The Economist's poll tracker, Trump's overall approval rating has reached historic lows, with affordability being a significant factor. His approval rating on affordability is reported to be 43 percentage points underwater.
Even in Tennessee, a state where Trump previously held strong popularity, his approval numbers have shifted. While Trump began his term with an approval rating 24 percentage points above water in the state, recent polls show his approval at 47% with a 45% disapproval rating, a margin of only 2 percentage points, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.